As part of its aero product development initiative, POC has released Propel, its brand-new cycling eyewear designed to enhance aerodynamics and performance.
According to the Swedish accessories specialist… ‘Developed for high-performance racing and to be the most aerodynamic cycling sunglasses POC has ever produced, Propel is lightweight with a large lens and unique field of view. But what stands the Propel apart from the crowd is the aerodynamic advantage.
‘The result of meticulous computational fluid dynamic testing (CFD), the Propel features a unique lens and temple design to reduce drag and allow airflow to interact with the rider and their body position.’
POC’s Eyewear Manager, Tilda Håll said “In developing our Aero initiative, we wanted to explore the aerodynamic potential of eyewear. We know the world of performance cycling is about marginal gains, and every watt saved can make a difference.
“We tested continually with CFD to research and fine-tune our ideas. The results led us to design the eyewear with the rider’s body and position in the forefront of our minds. The result is the most aerodynamic eyewear we have ever produced.”
Propel sunglasses are designed to sit closer to the face, with a wrap-around feel and precise side fairings which claim to guide air away from a rider’s ears.
POC adds that this precise management of airflow brings aerodynamic gains as air is guided over the shoulders – instead of allowing a rider’s ears to cause turbulence – which creates a smoother airflow and enhances a rider’s aerodynamic profile.
Tested in CFD alongside many of POC’s performance sunglasses, the Propel eyewear came out on top, saving watts and with a new design emerging as the most aerodynamic. In addition, the Propels feature a unique Clarity lens that wraps further around the head and results in a wide field of view, enhancing peripheral vision and the ability to see and react to dangers earlier.
The Propel made its professional debut at the Tour Down Under with both EF Education First teams using the new eyewear.
EF Education-TIBCO-SVB General Manager, Rachel Hedderman, said “Performance is critical when the margins we are playing with are so small. It’s essential that the kit we use can contribute to our success, and it helps motivate us to dig even deeper knowing that everything we use is so technical and highly tuned, designed to support and enhance our effort.”
EF Education – EasyPost CEO, Jonathan Vaughters, added “There’s a saying in cycling, ‘if it looks fast, it is fast’, and that sums up Propel. We know all the aerodynamic testing that went into creating it, but equally important is the lens shape and broad field of view, which is incredibly confidence inspiring when you are packed in a tight peloton.”
The Propel sunglasses are constructed with a bio-grilamid frame, and three nose bridge sizes are included, allowing each user to find a comfortable and secure fit. The temples are fully adjustable in both length and grip for comfort.
Colours:
- Hydrogen White / Violet/Silver Mirror
- Uranium Black / Violet/Silver Mirror
- Grey Translucent / Violet/Silver Mirror
- Fluorescent Orange Translucent / Violet/Gold Mirror
- Purple Quartz Translucent / Violet/Silver Mirror
- Fluorescent Pink/Uranium Black Translucent / Violet/Gold Mirror
Comes as standard with a spare clear lens. Other lenses available are:
- Brown/Light Silver Mirror
- Brown/Silver Mirror
- Brown
- Clear 90.0
- Violet
- Violet/Gold Mirror
- Violet/Light Silver Mirror
- Violet/Silver Mirror
Price MSRP: €249 EUR, US$250
